1. Home
  2. Vol 6, No 1 (2026)
  3. Noordin

The Role of Plain Language Summaries in the Context of Knowledge Sharing: A Systematic Literature Review

Siti Alyza Rizqika Noordin(1*), Muhamad Prabu Wibowo(2), Tamara Adriani Salim(3),

(1) Universitas Indonesia
(2) Universitas Indonesia
(3) Universitas Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author




Abstract

Plain Language Summaries (PLS) are used to increase the readability and public accessibility of research findings, making them highly relevant within knowledge sharing (KS) practices. This study conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using the Scopus database to identify the roles of PLS in KS and the technologies utilized in their creation. Article selection followed the PRISMA framework, resulting in 24 eligible studies. Data were extracted and synthesized using Microsoft Excel. The findings indicate that PLS play a critical role in simplifying scientific information, enhancing comprehension, expanding dissemination reach, and strengthening user engagement. Additionally, eight categories of technologies were identified, including readability tools, machine learning, large language models, knowledge translation platforms, and multimedia production tools. Overall, PLS serve as a strategic instrument for cross-audience knowledge transfer and require strengthened standards and governance of technological tools to ensure their quality and effectiveness.

References

Agrifoglio, R. (2015). Knowledge Preservation Through Community of Practice: Theoretical Issues and Empirical Evidence. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22234-9

Anzinger, H., Elliott, S. A., & Hartling, L. (2020). Comparative Usability Analysis and Parental Preferences of Three Web-Based Knowledge Translation Tools: Multimethod Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(3), e14562. https://doi.org/10.2196/14562

Behmen, D., Maruši?, A., & Puljak, L. (2019). Capacity building for knowledge translation: A survey about the characteristics and motivation of volunteer translators of Cochrane plain language summaries. Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 12(2), 147–154. https://doi.org/10.1111/jebm.12345

Brali?, N., Mijatovi?, A., Maruši?, A., & Buljan, I. (2024). Conclusiveness, readability and textual characteristics of plain language summaries from medical and non-medical organizations: A cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 6016. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56727-6

De Santis, K. K., Kirstein, M., Kien, C., Griebler, U., McCrabb, S., & Jahnel, T. (2024). Online dissemination of Cochrane reviews on digital health technologies: A cross-sectional study. Systematic Reviews, 13(1), 133. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-024-02557-6

Helmer, S. M., Matthias, K., Mergenthal, L., Reimer, M., & De Santis, K. K. (2023). Dissemination of knowledge from Cochrane Public Health reviews: A bibliographic study. Systematic Reviews, 12(1), 113. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02272-8

Jonas, M., Kerwer, M., Stoll, M., Benz, G., & Chasiotis, A. (2024). Equivalent user experience and improved community augmented meta-analyses knowledge for a new version of a Plain Language Summary guideline. PLOS ONE, 19(5), e0300675. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300675

Kearns, C., Eathorne, A., Kearns, N., Anderson, A., Hatter, L., Semprini, A., & Beasley, R. (2022). How best to share research with study participants? A randomised crossover trial comparing a comic, lay summary, and scientific abstract. Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine, 45(3), 172–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/17453054.2022.2056321

Kerwer, M., Jonas, M., Stoll, M., Benz, G., & Chasiotis, A. (2025). A Randomized Controlled Study on the Effectiveness of Plain Language Summaries of Psychological Meta-Analyses: Targeting Knowledge, User Experience, Relevance, and Trust. Zeitschrift Für Psychologie, 233(1), 30–39. https://doi.org/10.1027/2151-2604/a000570

Kerwer, M., Stoll, M., Jonas, M., Benz, G., & Chasiotis, A. (2021). How to Put It Plainly? Findings From Two Randomized Controlled Studies on Writing Plain Language Summaries for Psychological Meta-Analyses. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 771399. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.771399

Kirkpatrick, E., Gaisford, W., Williams, E., Brindley, E., Tembo, D., & Wright, D. (2017). Understanding Plain English summaries. A comparison of two approaches to improve the quality of Plain English summaries in research reports. Research Involvement and Engagement, 3(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-017-0064-0

Lang, I. A., King, A., Boddy, K., Stein, K., Asare, L., Day, J., & Liabo, K. (2025). Jargon and Readability in Plain Language Summaries of Health Research: Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 27, e50862. https://doi.org/10.2196/50862

Markowitz, D. M. (2024). From complexity to clarity: How AI enhances perceptions of scientists and the public’s understanding of science. PNAS Nexus, 3(9), pgae387. https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae387

Petticrew, M., & Roberts, H. (2006). Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences: A Practical Guide (1 ed.). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470754887

Prokop-Dorner, A., Zaj?c, J., & Ba?a, M. M. (2024). Communicating evidence-based information on the effects of health interventions to various types of recipients – a qualitative study on the perception of formats of information among lay and professional audiences. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 31(4), 529–545. https://doi.org/10.26444/aaem/186920

Richards, D., Worden, D., Song, X. P., & Lavorel, S. (2024). Harnessing generative artificial intelligence to support nature?based solutions. People and Nature, 6(2), 882–893. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10622

Salzmann, S., Walther, C., & Kaspar, K. (2025). A new dimension of simplified science communication: The easiness effect of science popularization in animated video abstracts. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1584695. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1584695

Sarangi, P. K., Hui, P., Mondal, H., Kumar Nayak, D. S., Swarup, M. S., Ishan, & Panda, S. (2025). Evaluating the Capability of Large Language Model Chatbots for Generating Plain Language Summaries in Radiology. iRADIOLOGY, 3(4), 289–294. https://doi.org/10.1002/ird3.70030

Sopinka, N. M., Coristine, L. E., DeRosa, M. C., Rochman, C. M., Owens, B. L., & Cooke, S. J. (2020). Envisioning the scientific paper of the future. FACETS, 5(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1139/facets-2019-0012

Stoll, M., Bähr, M., Becker, E., Kerwer, M., Benz, G., Jonas, M. R., & Chasiotis, A. (t.t.). User Feedback on Plain Language Summaries: A Qualitative Study in a German General Population Sample.

Stricker, J., Chasiotis, A., Kerwer, M., & Günther, A. (2020). Scientific abstracts and plain language summaries in psychology: A comparison based on readability indices. PLOS ONE, 15(4), e0231160. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231160

Suart, C. E., Graham, K. J., Suart, T. N., & Truant, R. (2020). Development of a knowledge translation platform for ataxia: Impact on readers and volunteer contributors. PLOS ONE, 15(9), e0238512. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238512

Synnot, A., Chakraborty, S., Xue, J., Cheng, H. Z., Berkovic, D., Turner, T., Meredith, A., Beh, B. A., D’Lima, J., Muller, J., King, M., Noble, S., Arfaras, T., Finneran, T., Cullen, V., Seid, A., Arno, A., Synnot, A., Navarro, D. F., … Glennon, V. (2025). Exploring the use and usefulness of living guidelines for consumers: International online survey of patients’ and carers’ views. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 180, 111671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2025.111671

Thombs, B. D., Adams, C., Nassar, E.-L., Carrier, M.-E., Golberg, M., Bharthi, K., Wurz, A., South, A., Kwakkenbos, L., Hoa, S., Rice, D. B., Guillot, G., Lawrie-Jones, A., Sauvé, M., Bartlett, S. J., Fortune, C., Gietzen, A., Gottesman, K., Hudson, M., … Neyer, M. A. (2025). Master protocol for a series of cohort-based randomized controlled trials to test tools to communicate research results to study participants and others with relevant lived experience: The SPIN-CLEAR Trials. Trials, 26(1), 149. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-025-08846-2

Wada, M., Sixsmith, J., Harwood, G., Cosco, T. D., Fang, M. L., & Sixsmith, A. (2020). A protocol for co-creating research project lay summaries with stakeholders: Guideline development for Canada’s AGE-WELL network. Research Involvement and Engagement, 6(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-020-00197-3

Weber, M., Stoll, M., Chasiotis, A., Breuer, C., Meerpohl, J. J., & Kunzler, A. M. (2025). Nutzer*innenerfahrung mit allgemeinverständlichen Kurzzusammenfassungen psychologischer systematischer Übersichtsarbeiten mit Metaanalyse („KLARpsy“-Texte) – eine qualitative Studie mit der „Lautes Denken“-Methode. Zeitschrift für Evidenz, Fortbildung und Qualität im Gesundheitswesen, 196, 4–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.zefq.2025.04.003

Zarshenas, S., Mosel, J., Chui, A., Seaton, S., Singh, H., Moroz, S., Khan, T., & Colquhoun, H. (2022). Supporting patient and public partners in writing lay summaries of scientific evidence in healthcare: A scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 12(12), e062981. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062981


Full Text: PDF

DOI: 10.24036/0001374chr2025
10.24036/0001374chr2025

Article Metrics

Abstract View : 85 times
PDF : 71 times

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 Siti Alyza Rizqika Noordin, Muhamad Prabu Wibowo, Tamara Adriani Salim

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.